Bishop Callahan celebrates Chrism Mass to bless the holy oils

Bishop William Patrick Callahan concelebrated the Chrism Mass with his brother priests at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, La Crosse, on April 11, 2017.

The Chrism Mass is an annual event celebrated during Holy Week where the bishop blesses the precious holy oils, which the priests in the diocese use when administering the sacraments. After Mass, the oils are distributed to each priest in the diocese. The unique liturgical celebration also gives priests an opportunity to celebrate Mass with their bishop and renew their commitment to priestly service before him.

During the Chrism Mass, the bishop blesses the Oil of the Sick to be used in the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, and the Oil of Catechumens used in preparation for baptism. The bishop also consecrates the Holy Chrism used in baptism, confirmation and the holy orders.